One cannot understand Van Gogh without understanding how Japanese art arrived in Paris in the middle of the 19th century and the profound impact it had on artists like Monet, Degas and, above all, Van Gogh. The film travels not only to France and the Netherlands but also to Japan to further explore the remarkable heritage that so affected Van Gogh and made him the artist we know of today.
Given privileged access to both galleries the film documents this landmark exhibition, whilst interweaving Rembrandt’s life story, with behind-the-scenes preparations at these world famous institutions. Exploring many of the exhibition’s key works, through contributions from specially invited guests including curators and leading art historians, this favourite makes a welcome return to the big screen.
Pablo Picasso is one of the greatest artists of all time – and right up until his death in 1973 he was the most prolific of artists. Many films have dealt with these later years, but where did this all begin? What made Picasso in the first place? Too long ignored, it is time to look at the yearly years of Picasso; the upbringing and the learning that led to his extraordinary achievements.
Journey from the streets of Paris to the heart of a superb exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, whose extensive collection of Degas’ works is the most representative in Britain. With exclusive access to view rare and diverse works, this film tells a fascinating story of Degas’ pursuit for perfection through both experimentation with new techniques and lessons.
Nanki-Poo loves Yum-Yum. Just one snag. She’s betrothed to Ko-Ko, the new Lord High Executioner. And Ko-Ko needs to find someone to execute – chop chop! Otherwise, it’s his own neck on the block.
Maybe Ko-Ko and Nanki-Poo can come to some arrangement… without anyone losing their head?
A swashbuckling farce of brilliant humour and razor-sharp wit, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance makes for the perfect night out.
Chock-full of memorable melodies, it includes the famous tongue-twisting patter song ‘When a felon’s not engaged in his employment’.
This unique production of Benjamin Britten’s opera, based on the 1810 poem ‘The Borough’ by George Crabbe, was staged on the very place and beach that inspired it, as part of Britten’s centenary celebrations in 2013, with three extraordinary performances taking place on Aldeburgh beach during the Aldeburgh Festival that year.
Animated monochrome imagery, such as an acrobatic rhinoceros and a spectacular starscape, creates the illusion – for both cast and audience – of being caught inside the black box of an antique camera, while the play of brightness and darkness explores the possibilities and limitations of the Enlightenment.
In 15th century Spain, a conflict has broken out over succession to the throne between Ferdinand, the designated successor, and the Duke of Urgel. Count Luna favors Ferdinand, while Manrico supports the troops of the rebellious Urgel. Both love Leonora, a lady of the court. What the two enemies cannot know is that they are both brothers, because Manrico was stolen by a gypsy woman 15 years ago and raised as her own child.
